b. Parking and Traffic Circulation. The most universal, although less vital problem area 

 revealed by the survey was that of vehicle parking. The average number of parking spaces 

 per boat slip was sUghtly less than one. From the number of parking problems cited, the 

 adequacy of this ratio must be questioned. Most of the parking conflicts seem to stem from 

 patrons of major ancillary faciUties on the marina premises competing with slip tenants for 

 convenient parking spaces. A few marinas indicated that this problem was alleviated with a 

 more extensive sign system. Others have resorted to decal-controlled or card-key lots. 

 Another major problem was the need to protect vehicles left for extended periods of time 

 by boatowners on long cruises. Many marina operators state that they are increasingly 

 pressed to provide camper parking and hookups for recreation vehicles. 



With the overcrowded conditions experienced at marinas, especially during peak -usage 

 times, a few operators have cited traffic circulation problems. Wider roads and left-turn 

 stacking lanes were recommended solutions by several marina managements. At some larger 

 installations, the trend toward bicycle riding has also caused problems, and the management 

 of the marinas involved suggested that consideration be given to bicycle lanes in marina 

 layout planning. 



c. Ice. The largest regional problem was ice formation in the cold climates. 

 Consideration was frequently given to ice buildup in harbor planning, but that ice floes 

 could be windblown or moved by currents into the berthing areas was overlooked. Many of 

 the marinas surveyed claimed that free-floating cake ice was the greatest cause of ice 

 damage. Two distinct problems were involved. In a fixed-pier system supported on tapered 

 timber piles, it is customary to drive each pile tip-down. Sheet ice and rising water can 

 readily extract piles. Where ice formation is anticipated, the piles should be driven 

 butt-down if practicable, so that as the water level rises, the ice sheet wiU slide off the pile 

 taper rather than wedge to it and puU it out. Also, when the water level drops, the ice will 

 tend to hang up on the piles before breaking, and keep the piles well seated. 



In a floating-pier system the greatest damage was reported to be caused by ice crushing 

 the floats. Therefore, many marina operators removed their floating systems from the water 

 during the winter season; most who did, commented unfavorably on the work involved and 

 time consumed in tlie seasonal removal, storage, and reinstallation effort. Because of these 

 problems, many operators are now using forced-convection or bubble systems to combat ice 

 formation. Most of the marinas involved report that these methods of ice prevention are 

 quite effective both for fixed and floating systems. One marina in the Chicago area reports 

 that the system was able to clear ice layers up to 4 feet thick. The systems, however, are an 

 added expense, requiring 35 compressors to keep 400 sHps ice-free. The system took 

 1 month to insteill. 



d. Miscellaneous Common Problems. The most numerous complaints about system 

 components at marinas concerned utility services, particularly electric power. The problem 

 usually resulted from the severely corrosive environment, especially seawater, which has an 



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